Top 9 Resorts & Lodges in Alaska
Looking for a sense of adventure with a deep connection to nature and perhaps a touch of luxury too?
Alaska has many great options for resorts and lodges that will provide just that.
What are the best resorts and lodges in Alaska?
Some of the best resorts and lodges throughout Alaska are:
- Land’s End Resort, Homer
- Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge, Halibut Cove
- Glacier Bay Lodge, Glacier Bay National Park
- Denali Backcountry Lodge, Denali National Park
- Alyeska Resort, Girdwood
- Waterfall Resort, Ketchikan
- Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks
- Winterlake Lodge, Skwentna
- Ultima Thule Lodge, Chitina
Whether you’re on a quest to catch the biggest fish, have up-close wildlife encounters, or to marvel at the northern lights dancing through a dark night sky, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay on this list.
Land’s End Resort, Homer
Located at the tip of Homer Spit, which juts out into the sparkling waters of Kachemak Bay, Land’s End Resort delivers magnificent bay and mountain views, enveloping guests in tranquility and breathtaking natural beauty.
Accommodation options all boast private balconies that face the bay, with a wide range of rooms that make it suitable for all types of stays.
Families and groups can even book fully furnished two- to four-bedroom beachfront homes.
It’s the only hotel on the Spit, providing direct access to strolls on the beach and a myriad of potential wildlife sightings, including whales, sea otters, porpoises, and bald eagles.
The famous Salty Dawg Saloon, water taxis, and a variety of arts and crafts shops are all just a short walk away.
Sip your morning coffee while watching the boats head out to see and then take advantage of one of the many thrilling outdoor adventures available with the staff happy to help you choose the best one and book the excursion too.
Afterward, come back and soak in the oceanfront hot tub or indulge in a decadent treatment at the spa with a menu of facials, herbal wraps, massages, and more.
While there are several eateries nearby, the on-site restaurant is one of the most popular in town, featuring local halibut, salmon, and oysters.
Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge, Halibut Cove
A full-service destination lodge that lies adjacent to Kachemak Bay State Park across from Homer, Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge is a remote property ideal for experiencing the “real Alaska.” It’s far off the beaten path yet guests can expect all sorts of luxuries.
A timber-framed architectural gem, gaze out at jaw-dropping views of the bay, saltwater estuaries, and dramatic mountains from the 360-degree wraparound decks.
You’ll want to keep an eye out for marine life like sea otters, porpoises, and whales.
On land, observing wildlife like mountain goats, bears, caribou, and moose is possible too.
Rates include three outstanding meals each day and many activities like hiking to glaciers, paddling among icebergs, and world-class fishing.
Glacier Bay Lodge, Glacier Bay National Park
Located in Glacier Bay National Park, your stay at Glacier Bay Lodge begins with a complimentary pick-up from Gustavus Airport.
It’s worth the effort to get here as you’ll discover a wilderness paradise complete with towering snow-capped mountains, brilliant turquoise water, and abundant wildlife.
A highlight of your stay is the day cruise to the park’s glaciers via a high-speed catamaran.
You’ll enjoy spectacular views and the chance to watch whales, sea lions, seals, mountain goats, bears, puffins, bald eagles, and more as you make your way to the 21-mile-long Margerie, a tidewater glacier at the furthest reaches of Glacier Bay.
The lodge includes a gorgeous lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows and a stone fireplace along with a restaurant serving some of the area’s fresh bounty, including salmon.
Cozy guest rooms are tucked among Sitka spruce trees and include bay view options.
Denali Backcountry Lodge, Denali National Park
Denali Park Road, the only one that will bring you into Denali Park, spans over 90 miles and ends at the Denali Backcountry Lodge, deep in the Alaskan tundra.
The scenic drive aboard the park’s shuttle is part of the adventure, renowned for its wildlife watching opportunities.
Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy all-inclusive accommodation in an individual cabin with a private deck, bathroom, black-out curtains (necessary for sleep on those long summer days), and heating.
The Creekside Cabins are the popular pick, all facing Moose Creek.
The rates include all meals, prepared using fresh, local ingredients, twice-daily shuttles to Wonder Lake, and a variety of activities from morning yoga to gold panning and fishing.
Alyeska Resort, Girdwood
Just 40 miles from Anchorage, the chateau-style Alyeska Resort is often named among the world’s best mountain retreats.
It’s surrounded by lush forest and the Chugach Mountain peaks along the south-central coast set just below a popular ski area.
Enjoy a hot stone massage, a saltwater pool for swimming among the stunning beauty, and a wide range of activities like hiking, biking, disc golf, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, and dog sledding.
It’s in a great spot for viewing the northern lights and staff can arrange a wake-up call should they appear during the night.
The lodge interior blends modern amenities and luxurious comforts with Native influences while bringing the outdoors in.
While there are various room options, the suites with loft bedrooms and panoramic views make for the most unforgettable stays.
Waterfall Resort, Ketchikan
If fishing is your primary reason for visiting Alaska, Waterfall Resort is a great pick.
The state’s most popular fishing resort was established by early pioneers in 1912, set within a historic cannery.
Located on Prince of Wales Island, the all-inclusive stay includes transportation by seaplane from Ketchikan.
Once there, anglers of all skill levels, including kids, will enjoy a guided fishing expedition focused on silver salmon, king salmon, and halibut.
Accommodation is in your choice of one of the 10 historic lodge rooms, townhouses, cabins, or the Egg House suites.
Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks
Located near the Chena Lakes Recreation Area a little over 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs Resort enjoys a prime location for viewing the northern lights.
Far from light pollution, guests here may even be able to watch Mother Nature’s incredible display while soaking in the soothing geothermal waters.
There are nightly snow coach tours that increase the odds of viewing by traveling to a higher elevation along with activities like flightseeing excursions and dog sledding tours.
If you’re in bed when the lights appear, staff can send out an alert via the aurora alarm service.
In addition to the on-site natural hot springs, there’s a heated indoor pool, hot tubs, a massage center, and an ice museum.
Dining can be enjoyed at the casual eatery with a menu featuring produce from the property’s own greenhouse.
Accommodation includes cozy rooms and two-bedroom suites with Alaskan-style décor.
Winterlake Lodge, Skwentna
If viewing the aurora borealis while enjoying a magical winter wonderland is what you’re after, the Winterlake Lodge sits at the western edge of the Alaska Range 200 miles from the nearest road along the Iditarod Trail.
It’s guaranteed to provide an enchanting escape from the chaos of the “real world,” accessed by ski plane.
The lodge overlooks a lake and includes rooms and handcrafted cabins, a sauna, a hot tub, and a sled dog camp.
During the day guests can take advantage of the opportunity for dog sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Daily cooking classes, massage, and yoga are all on offer too.
After dark, the place to be is the hot tub where you can soak while watching for the lights to appear.
Ultima Thule Lodge, Chitina
Another remote option, Ultima Thule is an intimate lodge for a maximum of just 12 guests, ideal for those who are looking for authentic Alaska.
There’s no conventional address, pinpointed by coordinates instead, requiring a 30-minute flight from Anchorage followed by a 4.5-hour drive to Chitina or McCarthy village.
Set deep within Alaska’s largest National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias, it’s made up of five cabins where you can wake up to panoramic views of the Chitina River and snow-covered peaks.
The flights, your cabin, meals featuring fresh Alaskan ingredients, and all guided activities are included.
You might take a flightseeing excursion over Bagley Icefield or land on a river bar and watch grizzly bears as they fish for salmon.
There’s a new adventure for every day of your stay.